Head Start Teacher

Lead Teacher

The Lead Teacher directs the teaching team in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child and support the readiness of the children through social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language activities; establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment and encourage the involvement of families to strengthen the relationships between children, families, and the community; oversees the implementation of a quality curriculum, creative natural environments, child assessments, and data reporting; and performs other related duties. This is a school year only position.

Our EASTCONN programs are committed to high quality early childhood programming, including highly qualified teachers and home visitors, ongoing professional development, small class size, a low child-to-staff ratio, a broad socioeconomic mix of children, and parent engagement in their children's learning.

Job Summary

• Maintain working knowledge of EASTCONN Head Start and Head Start philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (Head Start, NAEYC and OEC).
• Take a leadership role in planning, preparing and implementing a successful learning environment that supports and challenges each child's development.
• Support and guide members of the classroom team by providing opportunities for staff growth and development.
• Communicate regularly with your supervisor and share all pertinent information as quickly as possible.
• Observe and record children's behavior for the purpose of assessing skills and planning appropriately to meet individual and group needs. Recognize areas of concern and initiate appropriate intervention or needed referrals. Attend home visits and parent conferences as required.
• Assess classroom needs for equipment, materials and supplies and report to supervisor.
• Maintain the space, equipment, materials and supplies in a safe, clean and orderly fashion.
• Provide accurate and timely reports, record keeping and other documentation required for assigned classroom.
• Maintain strict adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Attend all required staff meetings, workshops, trainings, committee meetings and parent functions.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive relationship by maintaining contact with families through phone calls, conferences, home visits, arrivals & departures, and family volunteer opportunities.
• Designated mandated reporter.
• Engage all children and parents by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with children, parents and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of program, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or grant requirements, including EASTCONN policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education plus three years related work.
• Knowledge of early childhood education including developmentally appropriate
• Knowledge of child growth and development.
• Experience working with families to support early learning.
• Able to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality.
• Detail oriented with good organizational skills, and be multi-task proficient.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to adapt to new software.
• Must maintain a current motor vehicle license and have access to reliable, insured transportation.

Benefits:

EASTCONN offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees that may include:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in the Connecticut State Partnership Health Plan (where applicable)
• Retirement plan participation
• Paid sick leave, and personal leave (as applicable)
• Employer paid life insurance and voluntary employee paid supplemental life insurance available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement (where applicable)

Eligibility for benefits is based on position and scheduled hours.

At EASTCONN, we believe that diversity is key to our success. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. Your passion, drive, and perspective are what matter most to us. As an EEO/AA employer, EASTCONN provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our policies. AA/EOE M/F/D/V